https://soundcloud.com/top-of-the-class-music/new-york-1

Acquiring Knowledge of Self

Acquiring Knowledge of Self

As an emcee and as a socially conscious activist within a system that is meant to maintain its own status quo, I’ve chosen to travel a path that will be for the betterment of others yet I constantly have to remind myself that I’m still learning each and everyday. In the past I’ve talked to some people about how I felt like I was lost however I believe that through the actions that I am taking I…

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Just Announced! A-D @ Blackthorn 51 in Elmhurst, NY - July 19th

Random Thought

If you follow me on social media, then you’ve probably seen a couple of my “random thought” moments here and there. These “random thought” moments happen pretty much randomly, just like this blog post which was impulsively written while contemplating a couple of life altering decisions such as, “am I ready to go back to school full time”, or, “why am I not where I deserve to be (career wise)”?

I’…

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Combat

When discovering that I served in Afghanistan I often get asked “did you ever see combat?”

At this point I’m assuming it’s safe to put aside OPSEC (a military abbreviation for operational security), and I’ll briefly share some of my experiences while in Afghanistan. In 2010 from April until December my job in Afghanistan was to perform detainee operations, which meant that the unit I was assigned…

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What's new?

It’s been exactly four months since I’ve last blogged and a lot’s happened since then. Whenever I’d find myself inspired to write to you all I’d get sidetracked with writing lyrics or generally just “getting myself out there”. One thing that’s kept me going all this time has been the acknowledgement and recognition that I’ve received for the work that I’m doing which is greater than any accolade…

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Open Mic Series- Mixed Pleasures

Open Mic Series- Mixed Pleasures

Going to open mics is among one of my favorite hobbies in New York City. There are many different types of open mic series that cater to different types of artists. During these open mics, audience members are given the opportunity to perform and can do so by signing up in advance for a time slot. These events are typically focused on performance arts such as poetry, spoken word, music, and/ or…

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New York state of mind

New York state of mind

Why is it that southerners are known to have a better reputation regarding hospitality than let’s say, northerners? Could it be that northerners, such as my fellow New Yorkers, have gotten used to the aggressive city life that we have come to the conclusion that it is a completely “dog eat dog” world… who knows.

I believe that there is always room for improvement and for the most part we are all…

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Common Misconceptions

Will the Bronx be forever known as the “melting pot” in New York City?

“I understand that Manhattan is very concerned with their security with the Bronx,” said Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz. A couple of days later as I was on my way to an open mic in Manhattan’s lower east side via the subway a couple of tourists had asked me for directions to get to Times Square and were baffled when they…

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What's Stopping Us?

What’s Stopping Us?

  It feels like quite some time has passed since I’ve blogged and as I’m writing this I feel a bit nostalgic. I started blogging to provide insight to artists on the ins and outs of the entertainment industry while pursuing my own entrepreneurial career within the music industry. My long term goal is to establish an independent record label where I would provide a platform for artists that I…

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Feel free to question

Feel free to question

The more we learn the more we’ll earn and what better way to learn than to ask questions as we progress in our careers and our everyday lifestyle. Feel free to question your supervisors to gain valuable work related information. Feel free to question your loved ones to better understand them and maintain a strong relationship. Feel free to question your religious belief to fully grasp the role…

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Appreciating the unappreciated

Thinking back to the days when I was in the Navy I remember times when I had to watch my back to ensure that others would not take credit for my work yet, the few times that someone went out of their way to either “thank me for my service” or to just show some gratitude it kind of helped me get through my day.

As I progress in my musical career I continue to connect with more individuals and I’ve…

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My perception is my reality

My perception is my reality

This week I decided to write about personal life experiences that I have gone through which I am  personally and professionally incorporating into my lifestyle as an entrepreneur in the entertainment industry. By making myself vulnerable and sharing my story with you all I am hoping to ignite a spark of confidence in humanity within your heart, so without further ado here is a brief bio of my…

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A word with LayD StayC

A word with LayD StayC

This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting with a fellow Bronx native who is pursuing her own musical career as well. This individual goes by the name LayD StayC and Binghamton University is where she is pursuing her degree in Africana Studies. LayD StayC had gotten my attention via a Facebook group page known as The HipHop Club where one can post comments or links to their individual music…

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The more you learn, the more you earn

The more you learn, the more you earn

Knowledge is measured in many different ways. Our experiences lead us to believe that “we know enough” but in this world that we live in there is always more to learn. As technology advances we have to adapt to these different ways of living and what better way to adapt than to learn, which leads me to say that the more you learn, the more you earn.

Something that we all have to ask ourselves is,…

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A few things to keep in mind

A few things to keep in mind

I believe that the people that we talk to, the things we do in our lives, and everything that happens to us is meant to be. Any experience, whether good or bad, will further ones progression toward their goals. As I write to you all I want you to think of that familiar phrase we’ve heard here and there, “everything happens for a reason.” Sometimes we question the reason in which anything happens…

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Critical criticism

Hope for the best, expect the worst

To criticize is to judge someone or something for their merits or faults in an articulate way, and we as human beings, naturally criticize each other which then determines how we live our lives. At a young age we unintentionally criticize each other based on how we perceive what is right and what is wrong. As we get older we constantly seek approval from others, which we use to decide if we are…

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